How to Get What You Want Out of Life in 5 Simple Steps

In 2009 I took a little red piece of cardboard, folded it in half like a tent, and on it I wrote:

One year later I walked down the aisle of a Jet Blue plane heading to the Caribbean, with a smile plastered on my face because I got what I wanted. Here’s how I made my wish come true.

I took that little red card and placed it on my nightstand so I could see it everyday when I woke up and just before I went to sleep. Travel is my passion so when I read the words, I envisioned myself walking down the aisle of an airplane with sunlight streaming through oval windows.

For a year I worked, cleaned, exercised and lived my regular everyday existence. Whenever life felt hard, which was frequent in New York, and I needed a distraction, I pictured the plane and said the phrase in my head.

Next thing I knew, the fun, wealthy family I babysat for asked me to accompany them to the Caribbean for two weeks. After that it was a G6 private jet to Florida for a week. From there it was private islands and Pinot Noir and so many other cool things.

I can’t believe I’m getting paid to do this, my mind shouted!

What’s crazier is that from there, my dream got even bigger than I imagined. For two years, I worked that amazing job and saved up enough money to send myself on a trip around the world.

Now I’m saying: I can’t believe I’m paying myself to do this!

Yes, I had to make sacrifices and difficult choices, but we all do that everyday anyway. Writing down what I wanted made it happen. And you can do it, too with these 5 simple steps.

5 Simple Steps to Getting What You Want

Pick a short memorable phrase that encapsulates what you want. Make it flexible, “I want to help sick people” vs., “I want to be a nurse.”

When it comes time to make a choice in life, whether it is about the type of bread you buy or a career change, measure it up against that phrase. Some things will be neutral, some things will push you forward, and others push you back. Keep what feels right and throw the rest back.

The most challenging part of this process is maintaining your individuality. This is your dream for your life, which means your path to success will be unique to you. The whole thing sounds crazy, but I’m living proof. And I’m happy to answer questions to help you on your way. Now you just have to decide.

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Hey Devon, so much of what you said spoke to me. I did the same sort of thing as I prepared for my nomadic journey – beginning one year before I set off. I’m a big believer in the power of attraction, and that thoughts are things, and focussing on what I wanted to manifest got me through a year of working a job i hated in Sydney so i could save for my travels, etc.

I also agree with what you said about ‘pushing things back’. I have always thought that we should open ourselves up to lots of new things – ideas, cultures – then choose what works for us and leave that which doesn’t serve us behind. Great post!

I am litteraly sitting at my desk at a job I loath listening too Sadhguru on utube and I swear the universe is speaking to me. Last night I was speaking to someone about about starting a blog and been flirting with various ideas on how i can live and travel on a regular basis and then you started following me on Instagram… I clicked on your page and was like wowzers. God and the universe has some amazing ways of communicating

Hey, I’m Devon!

A writer with a lot of stories to tell. I've traveled all over the world falling into love and trouble. Blessed with an abundance of lessons and experiences, I want to take you on the adventure with me and perhaps inspire you to create some stories of your own.

I believe living your truth is the key to happiness and my life's mission is to help others find the courage to do so.